INSTALLATION GUIDE | STOWAWAY® HIDDEN FASTENERS
Local building codes and principles should always be adhered to when installing Wolf Composite Decking. All installations are
unique and the sole responsibility of the installer to determine specific requirements for each application. Wolf claims no liability or
responsibility for the improper installation of this product. Wolf recommends that all designs be reviewed by a licensed engineer,
architect, and/or local building inspector before installation.
NOTICE TO INSTALLERS
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Use 305 stainless steel, black
head screws
DO NOT use cordless impact
drivers
Set drill speed at 1500-1750 RPM
Max torque not to exceed
23 in. lbs.
Pre-drill knots or dense
hardwood
TOOLS
• Drill/power screwdriver
• 1/8” drill bit
• Circular saw with carbide-tip
blade
• Assorted fasteners
(see instructions)
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s pencil
• Safety glasses/goggles
BEFORE YOU START - IMPORTANT PREPARATION
Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special code requirements in
your area. For best results, follow these simple installation instructions, paying close attention
to gapping, spacing and fastener requirements.
Joist span: 16” on-center for residential perpendicular applications. Residential parquet
patterns and diagonal or herringbone designs require joist spacing of 12” on-center. Contact
Stowaway product support at 800-332-5724 for commercial applications.
Side gapping: 1/4”.
End-to-end spacing: Follow the gapping requirements listed in fig. 1. For any decking where
two boards meet end-to- end over a joist, add additional blocking (fig. 2 on the following
page). Allow 1/4” distance between all decking material and any permanent structure or
post. After all of the decking has been attached, snap a chalk line (white or yellow chalk
recommended) flush with or up to 1-1/2” out from the deck framing and trim with a circular
saw.
COVERAGE
• Pieces of Stowaway Hidden
Fasteners needed to install:
- 100 sq. ft. of 6” wide (5-1/4”
actual) deck boards on 16”
centers = 175 pieces
- 100 sq. ft. of 6” wide (5-1/4”
actual) deck boards on 12”
centers = 210 pieces
APPEARANCE
The appearance of slotted
composite decking changes when
viewed from different ends.
To achieve the most consistent color,
install all of the boards in the same
direction using the product end tags
as a point of reference, or install all
of the boards with the arrows on
the product stickers pointing in the
same direction. Installing boards
in opposing directions will create
contrasting light and dark shades of
the deck board and is not covered
under warranty.
Wolf deck boards are specially
formulated to very closely resemble
real wood decking. As a result,
there may be slight differences
in color and grain pattern from
board to board. This adds to
the uniqueness of Wolf Decking,
and will in no way affect the
performance of the product.
fig 1.
All wood and composite decking products require
proper ventilation and drainage to ensure their
longevity. When using a minimum 2x6 joist standing on
edge and the suggested 1/4” side gap, there should be
a 2” clear space between the bottom edge of the joists
and grade in order to allow for proper ventilation.
Adequate drainage is also needed to prevent water
from pooling under the deck.
fig 2.
Fasten the outside edge of the first
board to the rim joist with screws.
Pre-drill and countersink all deck screws,
regardless of type, that are within
1-1/2” of the end of the deck board. On
the other side of the board, place a
Stowaway hidden fastener into the slot
and center on the joist.
Fasteners: For ease of installation, our Stowaway
fastener fits into the slot on each side of the deck
board to eliminate pre-drilling and provide a fastenerfree deck surface. The deck boards require traditional
fasteners on the outside and inside edges of the deck.
Begin by fastening the outside edge of the first board
to the rim joist every 16”. For this, we recommend
using 2-1/2” corrosion-resistant, composite wood
deck screws. These screws help minimize the common “mushroom” effect that sometimes
occurs when using standard fasteners. They can also reduce the amount of pre-drilling and
countersinking.
If using ordinary coarse-thread deck screws, always pre-drill a pilot hole and countersink prior
to driving screws. Screws should be driven flush with the surface. Do not over-tighten. Use one
fastener per board every 16”. For any decking where two boards meet end-to-end over a joist,
add additional blocking. Always predrill a pilot hole when fastening within 1-1/2” of board ends,
whether using composite or wood screws. Do not over-tighten screws at board ends.
INSTALLATION GUIDE | STOWAWAY® HIDDEN FASTENERS
On the other side of the board, place a Stowaway hidden fastener into the slot and center on the joist (fig.
3). Install the preset screw at a 90° angle through the Stowaway fastener and drive flush. Do not overtighten. The fastener wings must remain level with the joist for the next board to fit correctly (fig. 4). Install
one Stowaway fastener at each joist location. Slide the next board into place so the wings on the previous
fasteners fit into the slot on the side of the board. Make sure the side gap between the boards is 1/4”.
To keep the interior boards from moving over time, we recommend pinning the boards at the center of their
length using a #8, 2” stainless steel screw. This holds the deck board in place at the center of each board
and allows the decking to expand/ contract at the ends. Pre-drill in the slot of the deck board with an 1/8”
drill bit (fig. 5a). Drive screw into the slot so it’s flush with the bottom of the groove (fig. 5b). This will allow
you to properly fit a Stowaway hidden fastener into the slot. Install a Stowaway hidden fastener clip over the
screw and centered over the joist. Fasten using preset screw at a 90° angle through the Stowaway hidden
fastener and drive flush with the clip (fig. 6). The fastener wings must remain level with the joist for the next
board to fit correctly (fig. 4).
Install one Stowaway fastener at each joist location along the length of the board. For installations where
deck boards are butted end-to-end at the joist, we recommend adding an 8” block and using a Stowaway
hidden fastener clip at the end of each board (fig. 7 and fig. 8). Be sure to gap the boards as previously
described.
Repeat the process for each board until the outside edge of the final board is fastened with screws.
Use fascia to conceal the board profile and inhibit board movement over time. Please refer to the fascia
installation instructions for the approved fastening methods for fascia boards. If no fascia is being used,
the entire perimeter of the deck should be fastened to the rim joist with screws. Use two screws per joist
on the perimeter board. These screws will be inconspicuous once the railing is installed. Decking should be
fastened with screws when being used as stair treads.
Color variation: Like most composites, Wolf Composite Decking will have color variations from piece to
piece. This is due to naturally occurring variations in wood fibers and polymers. Purchasing all required
decking material at one time is recommended, as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colors.
Do not install if color variation is not acceptable. Wolf Composite Decking will lighten over time, and color
variation is not covered by the warranty. This color-tone shift is dependent upon exposure to sunlight and
other environmental factors, and is generally completed in 60 to 90 days. Gray products may turn a light
brown before changing to lighter gray.
Preventing mold and mildew growth on composite decking: Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any
exterior building surface, regardless of the material. If the conditions are right, they will spawn on wood,
plastic, concrete, metal and other surfaces. Mold formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded
areas. Spores from the natural environment are carried by the wind and commonly land on deck surfaces. It
is important to note that the appearance of mold/mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency
with any of the material on which it grows.
Cleaning: Periodic washing with soap/detergent and water will help remove surface dirt. This will also
help prevent the buildup of pollen, debris and spores that can cause and accelerate mold/mildew growth.
CAUTION: A pressure washer should not be used to “blast” mold/mildew or soils from a deck surface. The
abrasive nature of the water stream can potentially damage the material by driving the spores into the
material, which may create a more challenging problem to remediate. A pressure washer with a fan-tipped
nozzle should be used only to lightly wet or rinse wood or composite deck surfaces. There are many deck
wash and exterior cleaning products available at retail stores. It is important to make sure you use a cleaner
specifically intended for your application. After selecting a product, be certain to read, understand and
follow all instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more
effective than others, depending on the environmental conditions your deck is subjected to. Additionally,
it is always a good idea to test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area prior to applying it to the entire
deck.
Mold inhibitors: As with deck washes, there are several mold- inhibitor products available from paint stores,
hardware stores, online outlets and home centers to help prevent long-term mold/mildew growth. For any
product selected, be certain to read, understand and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Depending upon the environmental factors affecting your deck, some preventive cleaning products may be
more effective than others. It may be necessary to try more than one. For ongoing preventive maintenance,
follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Note: Wolf Composite Decking is not suitable for structural use. It should not be used for primary loadbearing members such as posts, joists, beams or stringers. The same common-sense precautions should be
taken when handling Wolf Composite Decking as with wood or other building materials. Dust masks and eye
protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and chips. Gloves will help
protect hands. Hands should be washed after construction work.
THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY CONSTRUCTION OR USE OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL ZONING AND/OR BUILDING CODES. THE CONSUMER
ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THE CONSUMER OR CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ALL
NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WEARING
THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY, THE WARRANTOR DOES NOT
PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
©2015 Wolf Composite Decking, Inc. All rights reserved. Stowaway is a registered trademark of Universal Consumer Products, Inc., in the U.S.
For more information, please contact your Wolf Sales Consultant or Wolf Customer service at (877) 315.6669
wolfhomeproducts.com
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